**Title: NYC Mayor Mamdani Declares City Lacks Authority to Enforce ICC Warrant Against Netanyahu**
**Date: July 22, 2026**
**By Nathan Rennolds, Euronews World**
In a recent video statement, Zohran Mamdani, the mayor of New York City, addressed the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asserting that the city does not possess the legal authority to enforce the warrant. However, Mamdani urged federal authorities to take action should Netanyahu visit the United States.
The ICC issued the arrest warrant in November 2024, citing allegations against Netanyahu for war crimes, including "starvation as a method of warfare" and "intentionally directing an attack against the civilian population." The warrant also includes accusations of crimes against humanity. In his statement, Mamdani expressed agreement with the ICC's position, labeling Netanyahu as a "war criminal" and the "architect of a horrific genocide against the Palestinian people."
Despite his strong condemnation of Netanyahu, Mamdani clarified that after reviewing all legal avenues, his administration concluded it could not independently enforce the ICC warrant. "The federal government, however, does," he stated, calling on federal authorities to act in accordance with the ICC's directive.
Netanyahu's office has responded to the warrant by dismissing it as a "kangaroo court" and labeling the arrest order as "bogus." In a related statement, U.S. President Donald Trump affirmed that Netanyahu "will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form, while in the United States of America."
The potential for Netanyahu's visit to the United States is heightened by the upcoming United Nations General Assembly summit scheduled for September in New York. Mamdani's remarks and the ICC warrant have reignited discussions surrounding accountability for alleged war crimes and the role of international law in domestic jurisdictions.
Mamdani, who was elected as mayor in November 2025 with just over 50% of the vote, has focused his administration on addressing the city's cost-of-living crisis, advocating for policies such as freezing rent, making public transportation and childcare free, and establishing city-owned grocery stores. His progressive agenda has drawn criticism from some quarters, including Trump, who has labeled Mamdani a "communist" and accused him of "destroying New York."
As the political landscape evolves, the implications of Mamdani's statements and the ICC warrant continue to resonate, raising questions about the intersection of local governance, international law, and the responsibilities of national authorities.